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Issue Number 30

No Charge

Spring 2002

Creating a newsletter is like having a child. It can't be done alone. (If it was, it'd be called something else). It requires passion. It may require some coaxing, which leads to a bit of groping, bumbling and thrashing around. It requires some anxious waiting and wondering if what was done was actually the right thing. When the newsletter does present itself to the world, the creators look at it with a sense of pride and relief, wondering how they managed to produce something so fresh, exciting and new.

This "baby" is no exception. Without our contributors, this newsletter would not exist. It is your voice. Thank you to all who have contributed, not only to this issue, but to past and future issues, too. We can't do it without you.

When I first started railroading, the crews that really knew the rules impressed me. Back then, the railroad expected rules to be broken and never questioned it seriously unless something went wrong. The rules were always considered and respected. The question was not, "What rule am I breaking?", but "I know what rule I am breaking, is it worth it to get the job done?"

Twenty-five years later, I find that attitude missing. Too many brothers and sisters take short cuts. Often, they do not consider the consequences of their actions. Luck has been on the railway’s side for far too long. Any gambling fan will tell this will not continue. We have had numerous close calls recently that could have resulted in death.

Unknown Hazmat on trains, bottling air, not testing handbrakes, leaving cars foul, accepting bad air tickets, speeding. We have all done one or more of these things for whatever reason seemed good At That Time.

Given the limited instruction and poor morale, I certainly do not blame anyone for having this attitude. The attitude that I encounter today has two parts. First " How long do you have left?" and second " When are we going to be done?"
I certainly understand that position. However, the G.O.I. Sec 1.8.8 says "A - The criminal code has been amended to make it an offense for anyone to operate railway equipment in a manner which is dangerous to the public".

Using the rules as a tool to get better train information, improve safety and have fun has obviously been my job for years. An example: G.O.I. Sec 14.4 A (v) (f) still requires the type of placard on the car to be shown on the Hazmat waybill / bill of lading. A minor thing to be sure, but it is still important to have a legal waybill in case of an "incident". Be it a derailment, spill or the Ministry climbing on and checking all your paperwork to ensure legality.

Another example is checking trains. Rule 111 (a) in part says " the train and engine crew must know that equipment in their train is in good order before starting and inspect it whenever they have an opportunity to do so". Until the WOC can guarantee consist accuracy, I personally feel it is important to verify the train consist before departing an originating terminal. Walking a train that may be derailed is NOT the time to discover you have Hazmat you did not know was there. Non-odorized butane and smoking do not mix.

Recently, I have heard that the WOC is telling crews to leave switches with locks lined yellow, derails off and other strange things. This is not legal. They cannot overrule the CROR and GOI. If in doubt, take the time to check the applicable rule.

Knowing the rules and how to apply them will make all of us better railroaders, promote our craft, and help keep us alive. Can you beat that?

~ Bill Whitton,

Williams Lake ~

The origin of that lonesome wail of a freight train whistle in the middle of the night can be traced back to 1832. On that date in Great Britain a cannon was fired that was specially cast for the grand opening of the Leicester and Swanington Railway to salute the new steam locomotive "Comet" on it’s inaugural run. This new iron horse was built by George Stephenson, who is considered to be the "Father of Railways."

A stationmaster who was present for the ceremony and celebration, suggested to Stephenson that all new locomotives should have some kind of audible warning device. Stephenson agreed, and a local man who made musical instruments, (horns) was commissioned to design and to build a prototype "steam trumpet."

Steam whistles work by releasing large volumes of steam into chambers, called pitch pipes. Smaller chambers produce a higher musical note, and larger chambers produce a lower musical note. Most steam engine whistles used a combination of pitch pipes (usually six different sizes) to produce a musical chord.

Another type of steam whistle uses two cups, usually made of brass, like an upside-down teacup, sitting on top of one right-side up. When steam is released into this, it whistles.

"The switchmen knew by the engines' moans, that the man at the throttle was Casey Jones." (lyrics from an old folk song)

Enginemen use an established type of Morse-code, when blowing the whistle, as a notice that the train is about to move, to stop for passengers, to signal the train crew, or to alert the station telegraph operator.

Most ominous is the whistle signal 14 (L)--two long blasts, then one short, and one long--used at level crossings at grade to warn motorists. The signal is the same as the first four notes of the tune "Funeral March ."

Train whistles work as an effective warning device because people recognize what the sound is. Robert Swanson realized this in 1948, after an collision involving a train and bus near Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. Original diesel locomotives did not have whistles, but were equipped with truck horns. After the accident, the bus driver exclaimed that he had heard the train, but had thought that it was a truck.

Robert Swanson (aka Mr. Whistle) had been researching and developing horns and whistles since 1929, and knew something had to be done. Familiar with heavy equipment after working in logging camps, and on railways, he was also familiar with steam since age ten. (Having almost blown-up himself with an experimental, home-made steam engine.) Swanson worked tirelessly to convince railways to equip diesel locomotives with his patented air horns.

Today, ninety-five percent of all trains in North America have this style of air horn, most are manufactured by Airchime Company in Langley (and in the USA by Nathan Co., under license by Airchime). A quick tour of the factory with president Bill Challenger reveals more than just air horns for trains. Horns and whistles of all different sizes, including fog-horns for ocean freighters, a number of horns being painted a special color ordered by the British Royal Navy, and whistles designed for different types of logging equipment. Some are destined for exotic locations, such as the enormous bright red, four-way fog horn, to be used on an off-shore oil rig in the South China Sea, that can be heard at a range of six miles.

In fact, almost every ship on the high-seas, including all of the BC Ferries, have an air horn made by Airchime, which is the largest manufacturing company of this type, and one of only seven in the world.

Among the workers assembling equipment by hand, to meticulous standards, is an original air horn, (serial # 3). Another area of the factory is where the experiments and innovations continue. Next to the anechoic chamber, a steam gauge from the old CPR roundhouse in Vancouver overlooks a "snow-cone", which is a horn covered by steel wire mesh screen, that keeps out snow and other debris and actually increases the decibels.

As Bill Challenger says," These are musical instruments in an industrial application, and the number one objective, is still to save lives."

~ John Holliday ~

Starplan

Starplan is a culture change initiative by employees, for employees, which offers support in being rules compliant so nobody misses work due to discipline or injury. The initiative was developed by a small group of train, yard and engine employees working for UP in Roseville, California, who had lost confidence in the company after seeing many programs come and go with little success. Although six members were each paid three days by the company to brainstorm their plan, the program and associated web page receives no other corporate funding.

Starplan is directed at improving morale in the workplace through change achieved at the grassroots level. The participants recognize that they cannot change or amend many company policies or procedures, but they can change their own attitudes. The intention is to renew job pride, self-respect and professionalism by claiming self-authority for their attitudes, providing positive reinforcement from peers, sharing knowledge and actively caring about each other. The goal is to become better railroaders through the application of correct operating procedures.

Participation in Starplan is voluntary. If an employee declines the offer to participate, his or her decision is respected. Should the employee accept, they request a peer to observe their performance at work. It is recognized that everyone has a right to choose how they work. While that right is acknowledged, observers encourage safe work practices by offering feedback in a positive manner. Observed safe work practices are encouraged and complimented. What went well is emphasized, rather than what did not. At-risk behaviors or potential rule violations are presented as opportunities for improvement. Suggestions are offered on how things could be done differently, rather than by punitive admonishments or criticism. All of this is done in private between the observer and the employee. Feedback may be accepted or rejected as the employee chooses. There is no involvement from management and no documentation.

Other initiatives and innovations include assistance with rules interpretation and clarification, internal e-mail discussion groups, notices of most common rules infractions based on audits done by the FRA, encouragement of having more fun at work, employee barbecues and immediate praise and congratulations for work well done through personal communication or radio "Thank Yous".

At first, many did not want to participate. However, participation rates have increased slowly and steadily. Starplan "Ambassadors" have been permitted time to introduce the program at regular employee information meetings and rules classes.

Starplan recognizes that each individual is responsible for their actions and is accountable for them. There is no room for blame or excuses. If a mistake is made, it becomes an opportunity to learn and become more professional. Through Starplan, employees are encouraged to actively care about each other and to be vigilant for their own safety and the safety of those around them.

Learn more about Starplan on their (self-funded) web site at www.starplan.org

~ David Moorhouse ~

Colossians motivates; performance rated on a scale of 1 to 5

For years I've struggled to recognize what it is that motivates me at work. Some obvious answers like a good days workfor a good days pay, the Carrot, a sense of accomplishment, and to maintain friendships and mutual respect with my peers, worked just fine. But as the Quit slides away, my knees are eaten by the indifference of the rough ballast, my shoulders ache from manning reductions, and my peers are just faceless voices in a faraway building, what is it now that makes me hustle? Other than Colossians 3:23, I'm pretty much stumped.

However I have determined a scale of yard performance. On a scale of one to five, with five being the most productive. Here are some definitions:

Darrell Abrahams

(Editor's Note: Colossians 3:23, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.)

 Little Bones

Lat 49 - 18’- 72" N

Lon.123 -05’-14" W

Lord Sufferin’ Barn-Headed Sea-Monkeys!

No more passenger liner?!? What in the name of Tarnation!!

What bone-headed, bean-counting sons of a biscuit signed off two decent services, not te mention the end of the the Piggybacks, (the first in Western Canada, and one of the first in North America). The cost of Rum an Turtle Soup just went up in Ft. St. John.

I still can not, for the life of me, fathom these shallow political decisions.

Hey, I’m all for balancing the books, but not at the expense of public health and safety. Te pick on the elderly, the poor, an the weak, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Hide the women an' children.

PS, Sayonara to the Seaspan barge slip!

JYD

Oh diesel queen of the glittering rail,

Pride of the streamlined train,

Your throbbing pistons rule the grade

Where once was Steam's Domain

The iron horse has spent his day,

Now fades his thundering might;

But diesel save for me

That whistle in the night.

Silence forever - if you must-

The roar of steam and fire.

Let soulless men be satisfied

With the growl of a diesel flier.

The clanking rod and roaring stack

Forever fades from sight;

But diesel, diesel save for me

That whistle in the night.

Oh, let me hear that plaintive wail

Across the lonely plains'

Or hear the snow-clad peaks fling back

The voice of thundering trains.

Then in my soul there stirs a peace

That tells me all is right;

So diesel save for me

That whistle in the night.

~ Robert Swanson ~

Robert Swanson was born in South Africa and relocated to Vancouver Island at age two.

He published four books, including "Whistle Punks and Widow Makers." He supplemented his university education selling books called, "Rhymes of a Western Logger" that he sold out of a wheelbarrow that he pushed down Granville Street.

Robert was the driving force behind the restoration of the Royal Hudson, supported by the NDP and Dave Barrett; however, Grace McCarthy tried to take credit for the idea.

Robert Swanson was a qualified locomotive engineer, stationary engineer, professional (mechanical engineer) as well as chief inspector for the BC provincial department of railways. As chief inspector, he wrote the provincial "Boiler Code" in 1948, and he required that all locomotives running on BC provincially regulated railways be equipped with a five horn whistle, rather than the three horn whistle requirement for federally regulated railway locomotives.

~ John Holliday ~

You know you live in the North when…

1. Your idea of a traffic jam is 10 cars waiting to pass a logging truck on the highway.

2. You measure distance in hours.

3. You know several people who have hit moose more than once.

4. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.

5. You use a down comforter in the summer.

6. Your grandparents drive at 80 km through 13 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.

7. You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events.

8. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

9.You think of the major food groups as moose meat, fish and berries.

10. There are seven empty cars running in the parking lot at the Co-op store at any given time.

11. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

12. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

13. You think lingerie is tube socks and flannel pajamas.

14. You know all four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and construction.

15. It takes you three hours to go to the store for one item even when you're in a rush because you have to stop and talk to everyone in town.

Hoogendorks Sing

Sung to the tune "Margaritaville"

I'm here at my job site

Doin' my job right

With Campbell always pickin' on me

The Union will stand tight

'cause we got the real might

All we need is solidarity

Wastin' away again in Gordon Campbellville

Searching for my job security

Some people say the NDP are to blame

But I know it's the medias fault

Now I'm on welfare

Ain't got no healthcare

Why is the rich man pick' on me?

They have no foresight

In four years we'll vote right

Unions will build the economy

Wastin' away again in Gordon Campbellville

Searching for my job security

Some people say the NDP are to blame

But I know it's the Liberals fault

Wastin' away again in Gordon Campbellville

Searching for my job security

Some people say the NDP are to blame

But I know it's our own damn fault

Some people say the NDP are to blame

But I know it's our own damn fault

Thanks to Bill Whitton

Our web page, www.utubc.com, has been redesigned to ease navigation and improve the look and feel.

The page now features a Java menu bar. When surfers pass their mouse over each category on the menu, sub-menus drop down, revealing a list of resources and links for each category at a glance.

Because our new menu uses Java programming language, it is intended to be viewed with newer-version web browsers like Internet Explorer 5, Netscape 6 or Opera. Browsers must have Java enabled and browser security set to allow Java. Surfers with older browsers will be redirected to a version of the older site.

The site now features a selection of rail and union images that change randomly with page changes, a health and safety section, (which includes the BC Railway Safety Code and fatigue resources), links to union and benefits forms, agreements and letters of understanding, pension information, links to union, labour and rail sites, contact information and, of course, archives of past editions of this newsletter-- including the most recent version in Adobe PDF format.

Drop by the page today. Send us a note and let us know what you think.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY

Train 345 once did arrive,
In Campbellton quite late,
Chesser booked rest, I do protest
Said Bannister with hate.

I have a sleigh ride to attend
Said Wayne, feeling quite hurt.
This rest you've taken Lorne my friend,
Is nothing more than dirt.

Wayne went to bed and tears did cry,
To put himself to sleep.

I hate my conductor Bannister wailed,
He's nothing but a creep.

Now early morn did roll around
Bert knocked on Chesser's door.
Get up boss, it's time to eat,
They've ordered 344.

At 6:15 the engines moved.
To leave the diesel track.
A smile creased Bannister's rugged face
He was finally going back.

Track No.1, Bert old pal,
The engineer then said.
Couple on real quick, that is the trick,
His sleigh ride filled his head.

The D.O.B.'s were ready
With Chesser on the scene,
But no track could Lorne obtain
In front of train fourteen.

The train departs at 8:15,
Campbellton far behind.

The thoughts of scotch and sleigh rides
Filled LeBlanc and Bannister's minds

Blair Malcolm will be our first stop,
I'll make the cut said Lorne.
But anger soon filled Chesser's voice,
His face was wrought with scorn.

This train does not belong to us.
Bert what have you done?
I coupled on where I was told,
In track CC-01.

Return that train to Campbellton,
Orders from the R.T.C.
Your train is in track No.2,
Place the one you have in three.

With Bert and Lorne out on the point,
The cold wind in their face,
Back to Campbellton they went
Their heads bent in disgrace.

344 left once again
This time with their own train,
A vow of secrecy was sworn
To save the crew some pain.

They made their way to Gordon Yard
Not a word was said.
But the rumours spread like wildfire
Their reputations dead.

They say there could be charges,
But I don't know what they'd be.
You couldn't charge the crew with theft,
But perhaps stupidity.

by: Lorne C. Chesser

Become Active; Help People Support BC Rail

Brothers and Sisters,

In my last column (December 2001) I spoke about the Council's meeting with BC Rail and that we were supposed to get the specifics on the future of BC Rail. As most of you are aware, this meeting took place but we did not get the specifics we had expected. The Core Review (by the Liberal government) is still ongoing and no completed plan for the future has been delivered as of this date. As soon as the Railway advises us of what they are planning regarding your future we will be coming out to meet with you. The only clear message delivered is that BC Rail has advised the government they are getting out of the passenger business as of October this year. The catch phrase that seems to have taken hold is, "We will be smaller and more efficient". If what happened to intermodal is a reflection of that model, we need to worry. I don't know if getting out of a business completely is what they view as being more efficient!

There are many issues that need to dealt with, but until someone can tell us what we are going to look like in the future, the task is impossible. The other clear message that was delivered was the need to reduce our operating ratio of 91 percent down to 65 percent. This has not been achieved by either CN or CP. They have reduced their operating ratios and achieved a good portion of that by getting rid of many employees.

I was invited and attended the BC Legislative Board Meetings in Victoria (February 22 - 24) along with UTU VP Guy Scarrow, UTU VP John Armstrong, Alternate Canadian Legislative Director Don Tennant, B.C. Legislative Chairperson B. Gleason, and the legislative representatives of all UTU BC locals. As part of these meetings Brother Jim Sinclair, President of the BC Federation of Labour, took time out of what was a very busy schedule to meet with and update us on what is happening on the labour front in BC. All those who attended also took part in the march and protest at the legislative buildings on February 23, 2002. The UTU banner flew proudly amongst the thousands of people who attended this demonstration to express their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Campbell Liberal government.

The proposed changes announced for the Labour Relations Code and the Labour Standards Act should be of concern to most people in this province - union or non-union alike. These changes are simply payback to big business for getting the Liberals elected and have nothing to do with leveling the playing field. In fact, it will swing the pendulum in support of big business and management.

Brothers and Sisters, I think we need to be very worried about what this government is planning for BC Rail. Yes, Mr. Campbell said he, "wouldn't sell BC Rail" as part of his election campaign. We all know how much his promises are worth. What decisions are made regarding BC Rail will not only effect us directly - it will have a large impact on the communities in which we live and work all up and down this province.

I encourage each and every one of you to become active. Tell your MLA's how you feel. Get out and support your local elected politicians to ensure BC Rail continues to serve your communities. Municipal elections will be held in the near future. Get out and help the people who support keeping BC Rail as a Crown Corporation that serves the communities of this province. These are our jobs and community services that are at stake, and we all need to do whatever possible to ensure they are here in the future.

We will be coming out to meet with you as soon as we have the information we need from the Railway and the Liberal government.

Bob Sharpe

General Chairperson,

GO 759

Slack-mouth looks like a movie star

Nail,Part 3. Fiction by Chris Conway

As Nail looked out the window, John the conductor went from talking on the radio to writing clearances to giving out a mile-by-mile travelogue.

"Pretty soon it all starts changing," he said, pen stuck in his mouth so he wouldn't lose it. "We've been in the coastal rain forest since Vancouver, but once we get in the rain shadow of this last mountain range, it'll start drying out pretty quick."

Nail could see what he meant. The land didn't just have different plants, it was a different colour. The lush green softness giving way to a tawny hard-scrabble, with light brown dirt showing through the breaks in the gray winter grass.

"Now that we're past Birken, you'll get a look at some ponderosa pine. Ever seen one," the big man asked?
"Nope," Nail replied

"Kind of THE desert tree," John said. "Widest range of any tree in North America. Find 'em all the way into Mexico, wherever its dry," the conductor added.

Nail asked how far north the tree ranged, thinking about his loosely planned trip.

"Jeeze," John said, "Kind of stumped me there. North of Williams Lake that's for sure, probably not all the way to Prince George though," he said.

That was all Nail needed. He wanted to record natural flora and fauna as he came across it. He could work it in as accurate backdrop for his big paintings later. And if John thought these trees were a significant sign of changing geography, that was enough for him to make a sketch.

"Are we going to stop near some, I'd like to try and draw one," Nail asked.

"Probably," John said, looking at Joe the engineman. "What do ya think, meet the last southbound at Retaskit," he questioned?

Joe said, "Who knows with this outfit lately, but last time I looked, we were the ones driving the train. I'll bring her to a stop at Darcy and we can get a good look at a tree for our young Rembrant here."

As the train moved along, Nail heard about John's life. He'd come out to BC from the prairies ten years ago. He'd left everyone he knew in Winnipeg and decided to make his life over in the west.

"Its funny," John said, "when I go back now, the old place seems so penny-ante, so limited, I almost feel sorry for my friends who stayed. But then when I get back here, everything that's so great about this place, well I'm not really doing any of it. Partly I don't have the time, but mostly I don't have the money." Nail just nodded. "You know what Vancouver is like," John said, "it's a theme park with all these super-duper rides you or I can't afford a ticket for."

The train was gliding along one of its few straight stretches, domestic bison grazing along side. Nail was practically jumping out the window to get a better look.

"Are those big ones," he asked?

"They look pretty big to me," the crusty engineman said.

"No, I mean are they big compared to most buffalo," Nail wanted to know.

"Christ Kid, who knows if they're big or not," Joe said irritably, "they'd put a helluva dint in the car if you hit one is what I'd say." John looked over at Joe as though to tell him to take it easy, but Nail did not care. He was busy drawing quick ten-line sketches of the bison they had gone by.

"Man, was that cool to see those,' he said.

Twenty minutes later, once they stopped, Joe and John had pointed out a nice bushy ponderosa pine near the tracks. Nail took his bison drawings and added the pines as a backdrop. It took him about five minutes. Then he turned around and drew a picture of the train on the tracks with Joe looking out the open window. He made Joe look like he had his eye looking straight ahead and his jaw square, rather than the ten-thousand yard staring, slack-mouthed, loose fitting denture-wearer that he really was. Joe spotted it.

"Makin' me look like a train drivin' movie star," he pronounced, "but it's a pretty damn good drawing, I'll say that."

"You can have it Joe," Nail said.

"Well thanks kid. I never even saved a picture from all these years."

As the train lurched into motion, there was a distinct impression of being pushed from behind. Hard enough to make Nail glad he was sitting down. It kept on for a period of ten or twenty seconds.

"What was that," Nail asked?

"That was the rest of the train catching up," Joe said.

Nail's expression revealed that he was no more informed after Joe's explanation than he was before, so John jumped in.
"We stopped the whole train on a pretty big downhill, even if you didn't see it," he said. "And each boxcar was stretched out. Get it?"

Nail nodded like he did, but how much could the boxcars stretch was what he was really thinking.

Reading his mind, John said, "The boxcars don't stretch, it's the slack in each coupling we're talking about." As the train moves along," John said, "Joe's got to think about the mile-long accordion he's got behind him. Whether its downhill or up, pushing into us or going to make a hard snap right at its tail-end. Biggest part of his job, knowing that," John said.

To be continued…